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BlueCross BlueShield

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7.4

Overall Score

Author: Kaitlyn Short

LAST UPDATED: April 18th, 2022

Health insurance helps you control your medical expenses by giving your access to negotiated rates and cost-sharing for your out-of-pocket costs. Choosing a trusted insurer is important.

BlueCross BlueShield is a renowned and well-known insurance provider. With BlueCross BlueShield, customers can have access to great member resources. Customers can also purchase dental and vision coverage.

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BlueCross BlueShield is also a parent company of other health insurance companies that provide BlueCross BlueShield insurance in specific regions and states. BlueCross BlueShield companies include Anthem, CareFirst, Regence, Wellmark, Highmark, Capital, Empire, Independence, Horizon, and Premera.

It oversees 36 different insurance companies, all of which are locally operated. As a nationwide company in the health insurance marketplace, BlueCross BlueShield has helped millions of people with health insurance plans since its founding in 1929.

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The Good

  • Positive Customer Reviews
  • Health Plan Selection
  • Member Resources
  • Large Provider Network
  • Blue365 Rewards Program
  • Helpful Website and Customer Service
  • Availability and Acceptance

Positive Customer Reviews

BlueCross BlueSheild has earned many positive customer ratings and reviews on Best Company. These reviews mention satisfaction with claims, coverage, and customer service.

Issues with claims and coverage are common in the health insurance industry, so it's a good sign that BlueCross BlueSheild's positive reviews highlight satisfaction with these things.

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Customer Review: Nathan from Broomfield, Colorado

"I have always been impressed with the quality and quantity of coverage I have gotten from Blue Cross Blue Shield. They have helped me get through some very trying times and pay for my medication!"

Health Plan Selection

BlueCross BlueShield insurance plans are available nationwide and widely accepted at hospitals and doctor's offices.

Coverage options range in many types — from a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) to Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). These plan-types indicate the kind of provider network available with the health plan. PPO plans generally offer coverage for seeing out-of-network providers, though the coverage levels are not as high as for in-network providers. HMO plans only offer out-of-network coverage in emergency situations.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers plans with Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). BlueCross BlueShield also offers indemnity, Point of Service (POS), and short-term health insurance plan options.

The coverage and details of each medical policy varies. The costs depend partially on your health situation (including age, number of group being insured, health status, etc.) and your location. When you initially search for a health plan to understand the benefits and costs of monthly payments, expect to put in your location and some personal information, as these points will help BlueCross BlueShield draw up a list of potential plans for you.

BlueCross BlueShield also offers Medicare and Medicaid plans. Its Medicare plans include Medicare Supplement insurance (Medigap), Part D (prescription drug plans), and Medicare Advantage plans. 

A Medicare Advantage plan covers the same medical care as Original Medicare (Medicare Part B and Part A) in a single health plan. Most also include qualifying prescription drug coverage, which means you don't have to buy additional medical policies. Check your plan's drug formulary to understand what prescription drugs are covered. Medicare Advantage plans are also called Medicare Part C.

Medigap plans can be purchased to help pay for Original Medicare out-of-pocket costs (copayment and coinsurance). To qualify for Medicare benefits, individuals generally must be at least 65 years old.

In addition to health care coverage options, the some BlueCross BlueShield Plan offerings include dental insurance plans and vision insurance. Dental plans and vision plans may also vary by location, so it's important to work with the subsidiary in your area to get specific information. Those looking for vision or dental coverage can find good policies through BlueCross BlueShield.

As you evaluate your health insurance options, keep your health needs and budget in mind. The amount you pay for a health plan is not limited to the monthly premiums. In addition to considering the cost of premiums, you should also consider how expensive the out-of-pocket expenses will be. Sometimes paying a higher premium will mean having cheaper out-of-pocket expenses (copays and coinsurance) or lower out-of-pocket maximums.

Member Resources

BlueCross BlueShield keeps up its positive reputation with members with both basic and advanced tools. Some of these tools are specific to each of its subsidiaries, and include customer service numbers and mobile apps.

Large Provider Network

BlueCross BlueShield's network of doctors and specialists is gigantic. BlueCross BlueShield insurance is accepted all over the United States. Because of the wide acceptance, it should be easy to find a network provider. Treatment and other medical services you receive from these providers will be covered in part by this company.

Blue365 Rewards Program

Another unique feature of the Blue365 program. Through Blue365, members can receive discounts on all sorts of health-related products and services. Some discounts and deals change from time to time. Blue365 saves you money and provides added motivation for you to get and stay healthy. Not every BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary may participate in Blue365, so check with your subsidiary to see if it does.

Helpful Website and Customer Service

The BlueCross BlueShield website offers general information on its website and makes it easy to find your local BlueCross BlueShield subsidiary. You can search for plans and get a quote, narrowing your search by location and the type of plan you're looking for.

BlueCross BlueShield answers frequently asked questions, have social media outlets to connect with clients more personally, and of course, provide mailing information for when you need to mail in a form or contact them via snail mail.

In short, BlueCross BlueShield takes lots of different steps to meet the needs of customers all over the US. It is available 24/7 to members and has set up its customer service tools to be convenient, immediate, and of course, helpful-even in the details.

Availability and Acceptance

BlueCross BlueShield is available in all 50 states, and is widely accepted by doctors and hospitals. Specific health care provider network access, however, does depend on the individual health plan.

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Customer Review: Rathan Kumar from Trabuco Canyon, California

"I had blue cross blue shield for 3 years when I was with my old job. They had a lot of providers in my area that worked great."

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The Bad

  • State-Specific Coverage

State-Specific Coverage

For better or worse, the coverage you receive through your health plan depends partially on the state you live in (the state in which you would use that insurance). In other words, you can't just look up a PPO plan at BlueCross BlueShield and expect the same coverage percentages, out-of-pocket costs, and deductibles for any state. The BlueCross BlueShield website will direct you to the company that serves your area before you can get information on plan options.

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The Bottom Line

In many ways, it's not surprising that there are inconsistencies in health insurance plan details at BlueCross BlueShield. After all, the health insurer is large and works though several subsidiaries. It provides coverage nationwide, and has an extensive history and reputation.

Its growth has brought both positive and negative consequences. For example, it's positive that BlueCross BlueShield is accepted at such a high percentages of hospitals, doctors, and urgent care centers because it is a well-known brand in the health insurance marketplace. But on the other hand, the office you work with locally could be one of those with a poor reputation since BlueCross BlueShield doesn't micromanage each subsidiary.

It's important to make sure any health plan you choose offers the medical coverage you need and is affordable. The best insurance plan for someone else may not necessarily be the best fit for your situation. Be sure to understand your health needs and what would fit into your budget. Choosing a reliable health insurer is also important. Reading health insurance reviews from customers can give you a sense of the general quality BlueCross BlueShield offers.

Long story short, BlueCross BlueShield is still a recommended insurance company. There are some regional differences with BlueCross BlueShield companies, so interested people should work with the insurer directly to learn more about coverage, benefits, premium rates, deductible, and out-of-pocket limit available with each health plan.

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Star Rating

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3.8

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737 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

45%

4 grade

24%

3 grade

9%

2 grade

6%

1 grade

16%

Sentiment Criteria

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jennifer frank Chicago, IL

I had a mammogram which should have been covered under Obamacare but wasn't. I had to pay out of pocket $195.74. I called 2 times. On the first call, I was told it was covered, but this last time I called I was told it wasn't it was considered preventive. I was on the phone for an hour and when I asked to speak to a manager I was told they'll call me back in 48 hours. How does Bluecross not have a manager available?!? They also didn't cover my ultrasound because they claim it's preventive. My mammogram did not pick up a lump they found during the ultrasound. One would think Buecross would want to cover this because it will cost them more if I get breast cancer(which runs in my family and I've had lumps) or die. Then they would get no money!! I AM SO ANGRY because I know for a fact that Obamacare covers 100% of a mammogram...GUESS JUST NOT WITH BLUECROSS!! The fact that I called and had 2 different answers and that they are plain out denying coverage is so wrong!

4 years ago Edited February 24, 2022

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Jay House El Dorado, AR

I had a non-work related back injury that required 36 visits to a chiropractor. They only covered a handful of visits and stuck me with several thousands of dollars in bills. The chiropractor was very upfront about this even before the first session and I tried to talk to my HR, a Bluecross representative that was actually on site, as well as on the phone, and they would not do anything for me. This was months ago. The reason I'm writing this now is because they just had me call them to ask me a few questions. At first, I thought they actually reviewed the situation and were going to do the right thing. But as it turns out, they were actually calling to find out if I had any plans of hiring an attorney. They were concerned that I was suing. Really puts into perspective where their priority lies.

4 years ago

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Wagner Dona Fort Lauderdale, FL

When a doctor recommends a procedure, such as an ultrasound, based on his assessments upon a patient's visit, that procedure should be approved immediately by BCBS, and not sent to a third party that doesn't know the patient. It is an absurd for this third party to ask the doctor to call and explain the need of such procedure, as if doctors had nothing better to do with their time. Imagine if a doctor is to call a third party every time he recommends a procedure...he would not have time to do anything else. If the doctor is part of the BCBS network, it should be approved without any questions. I pay A LOT monthly for my health insurance, and expect to receive a good service in return.

4 years ago

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Rachael Mantsch Borgarnes, BOG

I manually paid my monthly premium (over $300) 2 days before the end of the month and got an email confirming this payment. On the 6th of the month they withdrew the payment AGAIN from my bank account causing me to overdraft and they did not even send an email confirming this. They are refusing to refund me saying that is has now been applied to my November payment saying the money is just gone, and they are refusing to cover my $40 overdraft fee. Don’t get me started on what my $300+ monthly premium DOESN’T cover in the first place. It covered my well-woman exam and labs (which came to $200 total-so less than a monthly payment itself) but no specialized doctors visits or prescriptions. It’s absolutely ridiculous. I told them I was sick of talking to them and cancel my membership as of December. I’ll be finding new insurance.

5 years ago

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Talena Mcconico Baltimore, MD

The wait time to speak with a representative is ridiculous. I verify insurances for my job all day. To have to sit and wait to speak to someone for 30 minutes to 2 hours, is time consuming, frustrating and exhausting. When I do speak with someone, the call last no more than 5 minutes. I just don't understand it. If my company had someone on hold for 30 minutes let alone 10, some one is going to have to answer for that. I wish I worked for a company like BC, I'd get to sit and watch the blinking light and ignore it for as long as I choose with no repercussion. I'll have to call BC again about 3 more times today. Your self help doesn't work for me. I have daily conversations with mothers about how they're one month old is added to their policy when it's showing on the Blue Cross website they aren't. So I have no choice but to wait to speak with someone to verify this before I tell mom she has to pay out of pocket for her visit. Our Blue Cross ins plan also suck but that's a rant for another time. Please do better Blue Cross.

5 years ago

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Binah Thillairajah Denver, CO

This is absolutely the worst insurance we have ever had! It is like owning fake insurance! I have a card but absolutely no care, coverage or customer service. I called to get an estimate on cost of services - 15 hours later I still do not have an answer. the call was forwarded overseas, it took over 45 minutes of being on hold, the customer care person kept dropping the call and not calling back, when I asked for basic estimate for cost of a particular service they put me on hold for another 45 minutes, told me they’d call me back abd never did, then called back asked to speak to a supervisor and was told supervisors were in a meeting and unavailable, after several days of this I called their bluff and the “supervisor” told me that costs estimates were confidential and could only be released to providers, had my provider call and they were told that costs were confidential and could only be released to memebers… no one cared that I had an emergency and couldn’t get care because I had no idea of costs and I still don’t have an answer!

5 years ago

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Ayesha Abdullah Denver, CO

My daughter was diagnosed with an eating disorder last year. She went to an eating disorder recovery center and had all her tests done and also spoke to the psychologists there. When the recovery center reached out to the insurance company to get her stay approved, the insurance company denied it saying that they will not pay for inpatient. The insurance company said they would be willing to pay for a PHP. My daughter tried that, but she was not ready to step down. We finally brought her home and got a dietitian and a counselor to work with her. After working with her, both her dietitian and counselor wrote to the insurance company recommending that she needs a higher level of care. We got all the medical tests done and again insurance denied her in patient. The branch of Blue Cross that deals with mental health is New Directions. I don’t know how any one who has not spoken to the patient and only looks at the medical results can deny in patient; especially if her counselor and dietitian who have worked with her on a weekly basis recommend that my daughter needed a higher level of care. New Directions is in the business of helping patients with mental health issues get better but I strongly feel they are in the business of only making money and torturing the patient and their families. Twice New Directions has denied in patient for my daughter who is so anxious about food that some days she only has 800 calories. This year, we tried getting an eating disorder psychologist to work with my daughter. Again, I reached out to New Directions under the advice of Blue Cross. In the Denver area, they could not find any psychologist who was accepting new patients. New Directions gave us the name of a psychologist but when we reached out to her, she said that she was not up to date with the latest techniques. We found a psychologist who was not in network. We asked if insurance would pay because there was no one in network who was accepting new patients and again they denied it. They said there are male eating disorder psychologists who can see her. My daughter does not feel comfortable with a male. New Directions is one of the worst companies I have had the misfortune of dealing with. They do not want to help in any way. All they want is to make money, and put the patient in mental anguish. Blue Cross needs to look at New Directions policies and how they treat the client. They do not respond at all. I had filled out a grievance form and I did not hear back from them even though the email said I should hear back from them within 30 days. If you or your family has any mental issues like my daughter, I would not recommend Blue Cross because of New Directions. No one at New Directions cares about mental health. They will try to stall you and make it your problem. Dealing with New Directions and Blue Cross is a nightmare. I don’t know why we are paying such a high premium to the insurance company. Customer service is absolutely horrible!

5 years ago

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E Schonlau Fort Collins, CO

I desperately need a surgery. Nothing else has worked. I am 19 years old and I already need weekly infusions and had to withdraw from my first semester from college. BlueCross and BlueShield has refused to cover the surgery. My nurses have talked on the phone for hours, I have tried to appeal, and yet nothing. The fax number for the appeal didn't even work so we had to mail it. They claim the surgery is 'experimental' though it is new the statistics show higher success rates then the only other highly invasive possible surgeries that are unlikely to help me. I don't understand. Insurance will do as much as they can but when all else fails they won't let you try something you desperately need and decide just to let you suffer the rest of your life. I am struggling because I don't see a future.

5 years ago

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tonya M Spring, TX

BCBS used to be pretty good but the last couple of years have gone way down hill. I have been trying for over 6 months to get 1 issue resolved but each person I talk to has a different answer, talks in circles, passes to someone else, etc. If you call, you'll be on the phone for hours & if you email, you are lucky if someone responds in 1 week. But even then, you get a long scripted response that doesn't answer your question(s). You might get someone who knows what they are doing about every 6 mo. to a year if you are lucky. Extremely disappointed in how this company has deteriorated & wonder how much of it is deliberate to keep money in their pockets instead of providing decent health coverage. I'd give a negative rating if I could.

5 years ago

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Tesla Denise ,

I had alot of issues with my plan and policy and lucky I got Celestina for my agent when I called in with my problem. She was so present and so helpful, Everytime she put me on hold even if they had not got back to her with the answer she needed she made sure I was not on hold listening to that God awful music over a min or two at the least. Celestina keep me updated at every turn and gave me options on how to get my problems fixed. The company itself pre approved me for two doctors after the 6th session they then wanted to tell me that it wasn't in my plan to go to that therpist after now I have created that relationship and that bond and can't and refuse to start over with a new therpist. Shout out to Celestine for making a bad situation better with her upbeat attitude and pacients ears listening to my story and problems as I cried lol. You are amazing and to good for a company that messed with people's lives.

5 years ago

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Azza Boston, MA

Dental plan is terrible, hard to get care due to limited dentists accepting insurance. Deserves a zero for charging me double the price for “late fees” after I canceled my Membership THREE times . Still fighting to cancel this membership months later and get them to stop charging me every month. Not even asking for a reimbursement just want it canceled and to stop being charged. Took my account and credit card info off the account, changed my credit card and they are STILL somehow able to charge me. I truly don’t understand how. Absolutely criminal and frustrating, have wasted so much time trying to cancel this insurance. Do not bother signing up in the first place, just a nightmare in the end.

5 years ago

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Larvan60 Galva, KS

I became extremely Ill a few weeks ago and thought that I may have contracted the Coronavirus as this virus's symptoms run a close parallel to Ifluenzas A and B and my symptoms, for the most part, were within the parameter of the virus so therefore, I contacted the only medical people I could due to the time I called which was our local hospital and gave them a description of my symptoms. I was told that I would have to either wait a couple of days before I could get tested by going to their drive through testing stations or going into the hospital, to their ER and check in there. My wife called her supervisor and told him what was going on and he ordered her to stay home from work and go into Self quarantine, which she did. At that time, I decided to go on into the hopital's ER check in station to get tested. When I the doctor and nurse finished their testing, I was told to go home and remain in self quarantine until the test results came in. I was in quarantine for 2 days until I received a telephone call from the hospital, telling me that the results came back Negative and that I more than likely had Influenza but they did not tell me which one I had. I had to figure that one out on my own which wound up being the A strain which was, by far, worse than the B strain. Approximately 3 weeks later, I received the bill that the hospital turned into BCBS and just the other day, I received the results from BCBS and when I looked at the final bill, I was very glad that I was sitting down!! BCBS didn't cover a single penny of the bill which is $1450.00 for the test!! Good God, this bill for this amount for sticking a cotton swap up my nose, twice in each side that made it feel like they were going to scrape the back side of my eyeballs, did a quick scan of my chest and take a few vitals?? The whole test concluded within a 5 minute period and I had to lay around in the ER room for about an hour, doing Nothing, seeing NO ONE and that room cost $987.00 per hour, or so it appears to be the going price?? BCBS is the worst insurance provider I have ever seen or had in my entire life and just as soon as I find another provider, I am going to tell them where they can get off!!! And I don't plan on being very nice about it either!! I have had it with those people, their bad habit of Ripping off those who are under their insurance plans!! And, I also have to thank the Steel Worker's Union for their Arrogant Stupidity and Ignorance when it comes t dealing with contracts that effect their members and all other employees. They couldn't negotiate with a freaking MORON!!!

6 years ago

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Leslie Miller Katy, TX

Went to the doctor yesterday to get treatment for something. My doctor wrote me a prescription and I dropped it off at the pharmacy. Later I get a message from the pharmacy that my insurance doesn't cover that brand and has a preferred brand. Now the doctor is out and I can't get the brand changed. It's already been over 24 hours since I sought treatment and got the prescription I need. Now that the doctor is out, I can pay out of pocket for my prescription when I already pay these jerks 700 a month or my treatment will be delayed for days or weeks until I need surgery to fix something that could have been stopped in a couple days all because Blue Cross has a preferred brand. This company sucks, always has.

6 years ago

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Shannon P. Bentonville, AR

There is so much red tape involved in accessing my benefits, it's easier to pay cash out of pocket than deal with these crooks. They won't send a bill, statement of benefits or ID card until they receive the first payment. So basically you'll pay for the first month, but still not have access to your benefits. Here is the phone call I had w a BS/BC rep just now. "Me: Hi, I haven't received a bill or an ID card or description of my benefits and my insurance is being denied by doctors I need to see." BS: "Well we can't send you a bill until we receive your first payment." Stupid me, I send them $540 a month and still can not use my medical insurance...what exactly am I paying for???? Grrrr

6 years ago

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Terry Mama Kennesaw, GA

We have had BCBS for four years. My husband is a UPS employee with a “Cadillac” top of the line plan, and it sucks!! They nickel and dime you for everything. Pray that you don’t need an ambulance or anything out of network. They say it’s covered at whatever the reasonable going rate is for the area, but it’s not. They’ll only pay about half of what your billed, even if every ambulance provider in your area charges the same price or more. Well visits are supposed to be covered at 100%, but again, they NEVER are. Expect a bill for some of it. Crooked company. I wish UPS would go back to Atnea.

6 years ago

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MDG Troy, MI

Very poor customer service and lack of transparency. Representatives are not versed thoroughly in company policies. I received conflicting information after speaking to three different representatives all in the same day. After conferencing in with the Healthcare Marketplace and Blue Cross twice and being promised a specific dollar amount premium considering our tax credit. Blue Cross continued to bill us for a much higher premium ($88 more). I continued to call them for several weeks to try to understand why this was the case. However, they continued to insist we had not paid our previous balances in full and therefore had incurred a balance of $272. After being on the phone with them for an hour (each time, over the course of different dates) they were still unable to explain from which dates we owed them a balance. Especially since I had payment information proving we had paid the premium we had been billed for in full for each of those months. Very disappointed with the lack of thoroughness and being put in the position to be forced to justify we were up to date on all of our previous bills. Such an expensive and large company should keep better billing records. This case is still pending and we have yet to receive a resolution. Needless to say I do not recommend this company!

6 years ago

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Eric Chandler, AZ

The company I worked for used BCBS as the plan administrator. The company was self insured. Far too many times claims were denied by BCBS that were allowed by the previous administrators. Example: My doctor and I read the report after the peer-to-peer was denied (final step of appeal) and couldn't believe what we read. BCBS found a doctor in their BCBS Florida network to write that a RFA would be unsuccessful if the back was fused at any location. My wife's back is fused L4-S1 and the RFA was at the T5-7 area. We worked a payment with the doctor, but considering the RFA was so successful my wife stopped her Oxys, it was worth it. Now that we're Medicare, which covers RFAs, we will never use BCBS for a Medigap policy. RFA, Radio Frequency Ablation, is a procedure where a probe inserted in the spine zaps a nerve to "numb" it, lasts about 18-months. Doctor claims are around $2200, of which insurance allows about $800. Maybe if insurance companies paid for procedures like this fewer people would be on pain pills.

6 years ago

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Chris Parrish, AL

My husband and I have been fighting with blue Cross and blue shield for a while now. My husband and I have been seeing a doctor for about a year now and we have gone in for different appointments and procedures and everything had been fine and covered until June when my husband had a procedure scheduled. We called ahead to Blue Cross to get preauthorized for my husband's procedure, before calling Blue Cross we talked to our doctors billing department and they gave us the billing codes which we then gave to Blue Cross. When we called, the representative from Blue Cross stated that the procedure was covered and we asked if there was anything else we needed to do which he stated No, everything was covered. A few weeks after the procedure we found out that Blue Cross denied the charges stating we did not have a referral, we explained that when we called there was no mention of a referral and we had not needed one for any of the prior visits or procedures. We had a referral submitted and Blue Cross responded with, too much time had passed and so they are denying the claim. In an attempt to file an appeal we contacted Blue Cross and asked for transcripts and any other supporting documentation involved with this particular claim. They explained to us that we would have to submit a written request and we would have to pay them $40 for the information we are requesting.

7 years ago

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Mike MC Boston, MA

Specifically took an out of network eligible plan so that I could have a wide variety of doctors to choose from. They had a higher deductible and out of pocket. Both aspects I was aware of when i signed up. Found a out of network doctor who fit my needs. All good. Paid him up front and then went to BCBS for reimbursement. This is where things go downhill. BCBS has "approved" rates for each ICD code. They were half of what the doc actually charged. Their argument - "this is what we think this code should be charged at in your area". Now the kicker, they would only take half of what I paid even towards my deductible and out of pocket calculations. Now i am stuck with a massive bill while having chosen from the terms clearly laid out upfront. Was this "approved rate" mentioned upfront - NO Did they already compensate themselves with a higher deductible for going out of network - YES Was this in their fine print which you would find after 3 hours of looking at 8 levels deep on their site - YES So why are they double compensating their bottom line? If you have an approved rate, then just have an open network with no concept of in or out of network. It's the profit gouging practices like this which will make me hate each and every executive in BCBS. You lost a customer. Not that it matters to you. I really hope the BCBS executives experience being middle class and being hit with a surprise medical bill that is a result of profit gouging through shady practices.

7 years ago

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Maddison Long

This is an extremely lousy and deceptive insurance company that I would strongly not recommend. They sent me a letter offering greater coverage if I provided them data via a form. Once I did so, with zero mention in the letter, there was a surprise mandatory health clinic visit required where they wanted to take my blood and perform tests. When I told them I didn't want to proceed with the health clinic visit that was not at all mentioned in the letter, I requested that they delete my data I had provided them through the form and at first they refused to do so. It took several weeks of calls with Blue Cross, educating them on PIPEDA (our privacy laws) that they were knowingly and willingly violating to finally delete this data. Weeks later I became locked out of my account and had to call them and they let me know they "accidentally" deleted my account and had me re-create my account, wasting a lot of time because of their incompetency and unwillingness to follow our laws.

7 years ago

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Stephania Lockport, IL

I am looking for an alternative at this point. The premiums are ridiculous, the out of pocket maximums are unbelievable, and the billing service people don't have a clue about billing. I pay over $1300 a month for 2 people in their 40's. Our family out of pocket is almost $16,000. In March, I happened to log in online to look at some claim information and just happened to notice that my policy showed cancelled. I panicked because my husband was in the middle of arm surgery / infection treatment, and this was no time to not have insurance. After talking with BCBS billing/customer service for a week, they could not find a single piece of documentation showing who requested or why our policy had been cancelled. If I had not happened to log in that day and bring the situation to their attention, chances are they would not have paid the upcoming claims from our doctors and hospitals. Then 3 months later, I get an email stating my monthly draft is changing from $1300 to $2157. Again, I've not requested any changes to my plan. After the billing person threw out 4 different reasons for this, none of which made any sense at all, she finally put me on hold for about 20 minutes, and then said there is some discrepancy from 2016 in which we owe $800. And now she has to escalate it because she can't do anything about it. Another week of dealing with incompetent people. Not to mention all the stuff that isn't covered even though I have their most expensive plan. I am going broke on just a couple of arm surgeries.

7 years ago

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Michael Snow Spring Creek, NV

My 10 yo boy was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. I was informed by my insurance that his medication would be covered at 100% because it is a maintenance medication and he can't live without it. LIE. He is required to take shots before every meal, snack, too high, and a separate shot altogether at night to keep him somewhat balanced throughout the next day. not to mention the chaos of the BGL when he is sick. He is consistently having to stick himself to get a reading. We try to get a continues BGL monitor not just to help him but help my wife and I to keep our jobs when he is out for the summer from school (his school nurse is amazing). We got denied because they said that it is medically unnecessary. A unrelated surgery he had on his knees and had to get screws in place. They covered that surgery but then he had to get the screws removed and they wouldn't cover that surgery. My pregnant daughter 21 yo was having blood clotting issues in her lungs because we found out that she is protein C and S deficient. She had to continually take blood thinning shots in her belly. 3 times we had to admit her to the hospital because insurance would refuse to pay for her prescription. I have 3 other stories to add to this and this had all been in 2018-2019

7 years ago

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Amanda Jordan Austin, TX

They made a mistake and billed my old policy, and cancelled my new policy. I've been paying every month and didn't find this out until I was sick with a fever of 103 trying to get in to see a doctor. They made it impossible for me to see a doctor because the billing office was already closed. They couldn't help me that day, but said they would call back the following day to figure it out. Two days later they call me back to tell me that they can't help me with my request, and that I would have to jump through hoops to fix their mistake on my end before I would be able to see a doctor. I had to pay out of pocket for a doctor and my medication because they canceled my insurance even though I had been paying monthly. Also, it tells you that it covers one thing (example:birth control 100% cover) when you are enrolling, but after you sign up, your coverage magically changes.

7 years ago

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pamelaj Catoosa, OK

Worst of all they lie. I have been fighting them for 3 wks, my blood pressure med that I've been on for 12 yrs is no longer covered. They state, and this was on the form I received yesterday, that I have to have tried and failed 2 meds to get on the one I'm on. I DID! 12 yrs ago. When I called, they said that same thing, I said, I DID, well, then it turned into my doctor didn't send that info, THEY DID, then it turned into that I didn't try the ones THEY say I have to try, and it's not 2 but 3! I am sick and tired of the insurance companies deciding that they know more than the doctor. They will screw over and over, and when you point out what is in writing from them, THEY LIE! so now I have to start all over again, after 12 yrs. The fact that between myself and my employer pays over $800 a month, is robbery.

7 years ago

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CRUZ LOPEZ Tucson, AZ

Horrible Company! Very inconsiderate of the members schedule when it comes to customer service hours! I've been paying over $565 every month since Oct 2018 and haven't been able to use my plan 1 time! I was never mail a packet! Never got my Member card! Never get a rep because my work schedule doesn't allow it! I cant register online for whatever reason i get errors and then tells you to call a number that closes at 4:30! But they sure do get their money from every check!!! Its a one sided relationship and they got their money and don't care of anyone's situation. If you can find another health insurance provider, do it.

7 years ago

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Efren Cerritos, CA

This Health Insurance sucks! Last December 2018< I had an appointment with a Specialist for a follow up treatment. The day before my appointment, the Doctor called me to verify with my insurance because they claimed that I was inactive and changed on another group plan without my knowledge. When I received the two insurance cards for me and my wife, our family primary physician got changed without our knowledge. Blue Shield assigned us a doctor that we did not know and located quite a distance from us. We never called Blue Shield to change our Primary doctor and our plan, however, they went ahead and changed it without notifying us. I called Blue Shield on the day before my doctor appointment, the representative I talked to went to change back to our Primary doctor and said that I was on the same plan as before and would be receiving the new cards in 10 days. Guess what happened, the doctor had a problem with my insurance and I was inactive. I was very thankful that the specialist doctor treated me for free for that appointment. Additionally, the new cards arrived after 26 days compared to 10 days as I was told. My card was changed to my previous primary physician but not my wife. I called Blue Shield today, 1/15/19 to correct the issue and spoke with someone by the name of Alex and made me wait for so long hoping that he was correcting the issue. No, he was searching for the reason why it was changed. Later, he told me that my wife needed to call them herself. I told them that I am the Primary member, however, he insisted that she had to call them. I requested to speak to his supervisor and the supervisor told me the same way although I explained to them that this was an error on their part, not notifying me and they changed our Primary Physician and plan without our authorization and notification. Additionally, a prescription was given to me by the doctor and was not authorized by this Insurance although it was authorized before. BLUE SHIELD sucks and I will be switching to another health Provider. I SHOULD BE RATING THEM AS ZERO STAR, HOWEVER< THERE IS NO ZERO HERE.

7 years ago

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Stephanie Rose Saint George, UT

Blue Cross Blue Shield federal employee insurance doesn't care about it's insured!! Mom has multiple sclerosis and ehlers danlos syndrome. With both of those diseases she is constantly in a lot of pain due to issues with her back. She has had a discectomy, an operation to fix a herniated disk, and was told that eventually she will need to have her entire spine fused. Well a pain specialist recently put a light at the end of the tunnel. He told mom about a device, a spinal cord stimulator, that would be implanted internally to her spine and would override the pain sensors in her brain with pleasurable sensations or even no feeling! It was perfect! Mom was told this would be beneficial for her by her primary care physician, her neurologist, and her surgeon. They were excited that she would finally receive relief from her unending back pain. The pain specialist, Zion Pain Management, went through all the paperwork and found that the insurance required no prior approval for this procedure. With that in mind the doctors went ahead with the trial. It worked wonderfully! Mom had energy and was able to walk, sit, sleep, move, live without pain! But then Blue Cross said that they had not given authorization for the surgery so they were not going to pay for it. Then they claimed that this surgery was not medically necessary. They told the surgeon that he would need to cover the cost for the trial himself and that they would not pay for the permanent procedure. Because of that the surgeons would not move forward with the permanent procedure. Mom and all of her doctors have worked to overturn their verdict for over two months. Today though, Blue cross told mom that this surgery was not medically necessary because she was not in enough pain to warrant this type of surgery. She had not been on opioids long enough and had not proven that surgeey was needed. Who do they think they are?! They are using their own quack of a "professional" who from looking at a sheet of paper on a desk has singlehandedly decided that he knows mom better then all four of her doctors and that their four opinions are wrong. Screw them! Mom was crying after hearing their verdict. That pissed me off! Please share this around so that the truth of Blue Cross Blue Shield will be shown. They would rather their insured members be addicted to opioids and other harmful drugs then receive the full help they require. Screw them!!

8 years ago

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Rob C Montrose, CO

I lost my job and had to deal with the death of my mother-in-law all at once - during this process I enrolled in my state Medicaid. However, as I didn't physically call in during a 3-4 day window to alert Anthem of this, I was charged 6x more than usual. To clarify, my $100 bill turned into a $600 bill because I lost my job and was required to use state benefits. The state benefits canceled the tax credits that made my insurance reasonably priced and I was billed the full amount. This is an obvious mistake, and yet I was given no resolution other than the personal promise from an agent that it wouldn't be sent to collections. I was met with no compassion or attempt at understanding from any of Anthem's representatives - even basic empathy for my issue was lacking, dead-air was abundant as I sat and wait for answers from unseen supervisor chats. Thank you Anthem for adding another layer of grief and stress to my life, genuinely. Coping with the death of a dearly loved family member, the loss of my livelihood and handling the numerous affairs required after death - now I can have this black cloud of debt to Anthem hanging over my head, with the knowledge that I'll have no choice to pay it once I get employment and stop state benefits. I would also like to note a very important fact - I had not used it at all for the month I was billed, and the month isn't even over yet as of this writing. I was told it could not be canceled until the next month. The optimist in me says, great! This addition to my incredible stress will help strengthen me even further, but in reality I know I've just had my arm twisted by a giant company yet again, and any calls to reason or humanity will fall upon deaf ears. I hope that whoever reads this has it further reinforced that Anthem and the culture surrounding its representatives is more concerned with your money than your well-being, and this personal horror story will steer you towards a different provider.

8 years ago

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Amanda O'Shields Columbus, GA

BlueCross BlueShield was my primary health insurance provider both through my employer and as an individual policy for 6 years straight. At the end of that time, the company canceled all individual policy renewals for the next year because of possible legislation changes that they as a company did not want to deal with adjusting in their underwriting. Any time in the 6 years that I needed customer service and called, the wait time was horrendous, the agent was never properly trained to do their job, the supervisors and managers merely wanted me to go away and the touch tone system always sent me to the wrong state. AWFUL company to deal with!!

8 years ago

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Misty Ward Buffalo Valley, TN

They are crooked and only care about their money. Even when a doctor repeatedly provides the medical necessity of a surgery for someone to regain any quality of life they deny coverage. Claiming not medically necessary. Why do I paid the high cost for coverage when it’s useless to me! When I need them to help me so I can walk and work they continue to deny coverage. This surgery is something I NEED to be able to walk and to hopefully be able to return to some sort of job to have a life again. No matter how many times they speak with my neurosurgeon through appeals or see all the tests that say this is my only option they say NO. Completely worthless. Worst insurance I’ve ever had and to expensive to not cover anything.

8 years ago

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Lauren McDow Cambridge, MA

DO NOT call the nurse line for anything. You’ll be better off googling symptoms! They called 911 and made me stay on hold then 911 basically told me off. I don’t even have anything serious that I told them about. Basically you call the nurse line about something simple and they have to call 911 no matter what so they don’t get sued. Useless. Don’t advertise a nurse line for advice when that’s NOT at all what it is. Now I just feel bad about wasting 911 time and right where I started with a simple question.

4 years ago

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Kerry Harris IA

Can not get them to pay for medicines that prescribe by my doctor been fighting over18 days to get it approved they think they're smarter than my doctor Said that medicine was not on her list to Be covered but can't prescribe anything that's on their list Just keep on a more and more and more notifications and documents from the doctor to keep from paying

4 years ago

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Doug Braam Durango, CO

What a garbage company. I've been having treatment on my knee for years. This year my wives company decided to switch to BCBS. Now THEY have decided my treatment isn't medically necessary. Now I have to wait for my knee to blow up like a balloon, get it drained then injected with cortisone. Now my knee gets to degrade at a much quicker rate and I'll be getting a joint replacement in half the time. Trash company run by trash people. 0 stars.

4 years ago

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Elizabethdmy Poway, CA

Their benefit plan through Whole Foods seemed good. That is until they accidentally wrote me $12,079.65 worth of checks during the holidays. Then my provider contacted me asking for the checks. They said I have to sign the checks over to to the provider, and they cannot cancel the checks, because my name is on the form. If I do not I am responsible for the full amount, or it will ruin my credit. And now people are accusing me of fraud. I did not fraud anyone. You accidentally wrote $12,000 worth of checks TO THE WRONG PERSON!!!

4 years ago

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Jo Ch Saint Johns, FL

They give wrong info about coverages. They do not provide what is covered and what’s not. Instead hey want the patient to get the procedure done the.y then want to enter the claim and CPT codes into system to find out if the procedure is even covered or not. If it is covered what percentage.. Very awful company esp when a patient has some serious health issues. STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY.

4 years ago

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Outraged Customer Las Cruces, NM

My wife was scheduled for a screening colonoscopy. She checked with BCBS New Mexico to ensure that the surgeon, the surgical facility, the anesthesiologist were all in network. The doctor got a pre-authorization code. On the day of her procedure, AFTER she had the procedure, Blue Cross called the doctor's office and said they would not pay for it, and would not pay for any follow-up appointments. Outrageous!

4 years ago

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Amy Johannesen New York, NY

Empire BlueCross Blue Shield plans on NY State of Health are awful. They have very few doctors on them, mostly nurse practitioners (who do not have an MD). The service is ridiculously bad - it took me HOURS to change from a randomly assigned PCP to one of my choosing. This was for the premium "platinum" plan which is over $12,000 per year. Absolutely not worth the money. Slightly lower deductible; appallingly crappy service.

4 years ago

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Tanya Boston, MA

A terrible site providing misleading and incomplete information. Incompetent customer service - long wait time, rude and unprofessional. representatives. The same with the chat - it took 30 minutes to get a simple form. Even more, the representatives provide incorrect information, their managers give promises that they never keep. Impossible to reimburse a claim.

5 years ago

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Ashley G Houston, TX

Would not even give them this start they stole money out husbands account 2 times amd when tried to get our refund they claimed they mailed check for 1 but never got it. And when you call customer service non of them speak English very well. But comes back and says on our end it only shows 1 time and we sent you a check and when I said nope there is 2 they got quiet cause we had bank statements to prove it.

5 years ago

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Sean Bonser Indianapolis, IN

Went to the BCBS website to find an in network doctor. Got a physical done and then got hit with a bill and BCBS saying they JUST updated their terms of service and they wouldn’t cover my visit. Absolutely terrible, go somewhere else for coverage. This company only cares about its profits and not its members who pay them monthly. I didn’t realize you could pay a company so much money just for them to deny coverage and laugh to the bank

5 years ago

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Lily Lafleur Norwalk, CT

The WORST Insurance company that ever existed! They don't cover MANY blood tests and other things most other companies cover, you wait on hold forever, the workers are rude..this is a GARBAGE health insurance company! NBC Comcast Universal switched top them from a fantastic company a couple of years ago and it just shows you how they feel about their employees! The don't care and this health insurance company will make you sick with stress and grief!

5 years ago

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Poe Houston, TX

A medication I have been on for over 10 years now requires my physician to call BCBS to be approved. While that is annoying that is not the reason for my bad review. They approved a prescription in the summer of last year yet decided on January 1 of this year the prescription that is good legally everywhere else for a year is no longer approved. My pharmacy called me to let me know it was no longer covered so now my doctor has to call them TWICE for one prescription because they can do whatever they want. This is ridiculous that this is allowed by any company.

5 years ago

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Child of the Queen Washington, DC

I have been trying to get through to a CSR for over 3hrs. to no avail. The hold time is over an hour! I stepped away and came back to call again.. was on hold 30mins for someone to disconnect the call w/o ever saying hello! How is this acceptable? I can see why people are thinking differently of this insurance lately! Also BCBS direct website is almost ALWAYS down! Why is the hold time sooo long??!

5 years ago

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pola Avramis New York, NY

Customer service is awful. Got an out of network operation. Was told after $1800 dollar deductible they would cover 60 percent. Recieved bill there were many costs they didn't cover for one reason or another. I explained you record all conversations go back and listen. They had an excuse for everything. Disgusted, sleezy company. With the experience I had find it awkward so many 5 star reviews. Makes you wonder where the reviews are coming from.

5 years ago

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David Quintiliani Quincy, MA

I am told by BCBS that my medication for Diabetes 2 (Invokana)is too expensive and they wont cover it anymore. This has been the BEST medication for me and despite 3 calls to customer service (first 2 calls were disconnected when I was told I am being put on hold) and on the last effort I was told there is no option but to pay out of pocket. The cost for BCBS is already expensive and certainly not offered any solution expect to change my medication. No concern for HEALTH from BCBS in this case.

5 years ago

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Logan McKee Austin, TX

Imagine being a very healthy family of 3 and having to pay a little over $500 a month on health insurance. Then, Imagine going for one 25-minute doctor visit and having to pay $165. Well, sadly this is the reality for my family. Health "care" in America is broken. It is disgusting how much money people pay. Dare I say, this is borderline corruption. My doctor was great, but the bills/payments from insurance are terrible.

5 years ago

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Kevin Phoenix, AZ

I will start with I have never dealt with a company that is so hard to get a human on the phone not to mention one of the worst aitomated systems I have ever worked with. It cannot decifer the difference from 0 to a U. I would not recommend working with an establishment you cannot get a hold pf. Also my wife wprks pn verification which is another angle blue cross and blue shield struggle with. I would reach out to USAA to acquire a real interactive system.

6 years ago

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Richard Vanderstek San Antonio, TX

The worse ever! I have never been so mistreated by a company in my life. Their error cost me 3 weeks of having medical insurance, and I still had to pay for the full month of coverage so I did not lose coverage. I spent over 6 hours with them on the phone fixing their error... time toilet! Integrity is just a word. If they were a retail store they would be out of business.

6 years ago

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Sam Tilbury Wichita, KS

They are literally the worst company that you can have as your insurance provider. It's the most expensive with the worst service. I get snarky responses from everyone I speak to at BCBS. My policy is nearly $500 a month and hasn't covered anything at all. I had a painful bleeding lesion on my head and had to have it cut off, NOT COVERED! Every time I go in, nothing is covered by insurance. It's a total scam. When I have called in for help with my policy, the just tell me to read it myself. What a horrible experience and a huge waste of money. Pick a different company!

6 years ago

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Skip Ocala, FL

Terrible experiences! BlueCross will not pay our dr. for their portion after Medicare. We have contacted them over and over again and get nothing but excuses or even "I don't know why we didn't pay that" but still would not pay it. We have shown them proof of our jumping through the hoops to get them to pay but they still stall and don't pay. I have paid the dr. myself many times because they keep stalling and it is not fair to my doctor. The plan I have, I am not suppose to pay any co pay. My premium to BlueCross are is paid every month on time and are high. I am dropping BlueCross.

7 years ago